What's your occupation?

[skygazer]

There have probably been threads like this but I've missed them. I'm curious - I get the sense that there's a real mix of people here with a lot of different occupations.

What do you do and do you consider it a job or a career?

I work in a grocery store and it's definitely a job. I've never done anything that felt like a career and since I'm 43, I probably never will. Which is okay.

[swag]

1. Systems Administrator at investment firm.

[whodiedandmadeUSgod]

2. RN

[liberalnurse]

20. Hi there nurse......

:hi:


Nurses and DU go hand-in hand.:pals:

[LisaLynne]

3. Network/UNIX Administrator

At a college! Ah, computers and relaxed working hours ...

[huntsvilledem]

4. slacker a.k.a. college student

whatever you want to call it..

[DS1]

5. Student. Asshole. Know-it-all. Latrine Filler.

[RubyDuby in GA]

6. Office Manager for an architectural firm

Job. Not career. I'm waiting for my winning numbers in the lottery for my career....of lounging on a tropical island.

[The Shadow]

7. Radiological Instructor n/t

[the Princess]

8. I'm a Professional Pain in the Ass................LOL

No really - ask the Mister. LOL

[CO Liberal]

40. She's Multi-Talented

Reiki Master, hypnotheralist, numerologist, jewelry designer.

And the best wife a guy can hope for. :loveya:

[the Princess]

44. *wink wink*

Boy you're making BIG points today snookums!! LOL

[CO Liberal]

46. **** grinning from ear to ear ****

:-)

[skygazer]

62. Ahhhhh.... You two are so cute

:hi:

[rppper]

95. puh-lease....get a room..........lol

:bounce:

[daddybear]

9. Minister and newspaper editor....

retired and refired. Hahaha

[Big Kahuna]

10. Computer Sanitation Engineer

[Mizmoon]

59. what is that?

[CO Liberal]

11. Technical Writer

Been doing it for 21 years, at various companies. Right now, I work for a major defense contractor.

I consider it a career. But what I enjoy most is being Mrs. CO Liberal's husband. :loveya:

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. Real estate appraising.

:hi:

[bif]

13. Advertising copywriter

[redqueen]

43. And you have the courage to admit it

Wow...

[bif]

93. Hey, it's what I do

I work on car catalogs. Not proud, but not ashamed. It's a living. (when I'm not laid off). There are worse occupations out there. At least I get to write for a living. How many folks can claim to be writers?

[redqueen]

104. Just giving you a hard time

At least you're not hawking sugary crap at kids. ;)

Nice job with the braggin! (Yes, I'm jealous.)

[bif]

108. That's okay

As a profession we rank just slightly ahead of lawyers and right behind used car salespersons.

[pagerbear]

14. Typesetter/programmer for financial printer

Admit it--you envy me, don't you?

[JVS]

15. I occupy my apartment with an iron fist!

No dissent is tolerated!
My word is law!
All tremble before my awesome power!
That's my occupation.

[HEyHEY]

88. I assume there is some form a harmony there

Or are the roaches mounting a coup?

[teach1st]

16. Fifth Grade Teacher

Teaching to me is a career, and I love it, but the paperwork and brain-dead polyester administrators can make it seem like a job. Once I'm teaching, I'm in heaven.

I began teaching when I was 34 after years of doing tons of other stuff.

[skygazer]

17. That's very cool

Actually, teaching is something I've longed to do, though I think I'd rather teach middle or high school than younger kids. I suppose it's never too late though at this point, I don't even know where to begin. For instance, what sort of degree is required for a teacher?

[teach1st]

25. Kind of degree depends upon what state one is in...

...I haven't kept up with degrees, but it used to be one needed an actual degree in education. Currently, the trend is toward taking degrees in content area for middle and high school - especially in the sciences.

Unless one is a complete natural with kids and teaching, I believe it really does help to have some background courses in education.

[ScreamingMeemie]

33. Right now, in the city of Detroit, they are offering teach as you learn

Where the teacher actually teaches in tandem with taking college courses. They are desperate for teachers. One of the kindergarten teachers in my son's school got his cred this way. :hi:

[ohiosmith]

18. Management Consultant specializing in career management.

[plcdude]

19. University professor

.

[redqueen]

45. What subject?

[GOPisEvil]

21. Mid-level state government drone.

:hi:

[Arkana]

22. Stoned slacker

No, not really. College student.

[Gardeaux08]

23. College Student

But I have had numerous jobs!

What I hope to be when I finally get out of the hell that is academia is a Public Relations Specialist. And before any one gives me a hard time...yes, I can use my powers for good, too.

[Tafiti]

117. I hope you do....

...but be careful, you can quickly become entangled in some nasty stuff. You should check out a book I just finished, which deals heavily with the PR industry. It's called "Trust Us, We're Experts" by Sheldon Rampton and John Stauber. It's an eye-opener, and may give you some insight into what you might be getting yourself into, and what companies to avoid. Just a suggestion.

[terrya]

24. System programmer at a small university in Chicago's Loop.

[Amaya]

26. The medical profession

And student

[TxGran]

27. Special Education Teacher

in small high school.

[Ilsa]

61. I love you.

Whoever you are.

My special boy is almost eight. He's getting lots of great help. Has PDD.

[HEyHEY]

66. God bless you lot!

Were it not for my manditory half hour detention in the learning centre - I'd of never gotten "Standing Granted" in junior high!

[sui generis]

28. Investments

[Champ]

29. I'm trying to get another job to go along with this one at the moment

But I officiate Intramural Junior High Basketball and Flag Football games for the City of Mesa. The job is fun but the complaints from the players, coaches, and fans is a big downside, but it can be funny at times. :) "That play doesn't count! I wasn't paying attention."

[jimquilty]

30. an evil trial lawyer

yes - I am responsible for all that is bad in the world.

[Mr. McD]

31. Electron Microscopist

[tech3149]

32. Truthseeker

I used to do electronics, but my eyes are too bad and I couldn't support the dumbing down of the whole support system.

[jdots]

42. Artist painter of blight and political dreckism

yes and you can see alot of the poo sleds of cynical ineptitude at http://www fine-art.com/members/26589 or just google my name Jay Smithline artist and be bored to tears.......DUers should check out my politcal gallery at fine-art.com for a laff.....
other than that i do sound for all things progressive in L.A. for free to fall back on never making any money

[name not needed]

34. High School Student

[TwoHandedLayup]

35. Computer Geek

working for "the man"

[masmdu]

36. Autistic Children's Asst. Teacher

I work with 8 autistic kids at a local elementary school...wild fun.

[liontamer]

37. grad student/ tutor

my research in school may lead to a career, but my tutoring is just a job

[woofless]

38. Unemployed (disabled)

after 30 years in the printing trades. I get no bennies nor do I qualify for SSD (yet). Thank God for my loving SO.

edit: On reflection I now have the most rewarding job I have ever had. I take care of Kathy and the house, house husband as it were.

[artboy]

39. Porn star

[Jack_Dawson]

114. Porn Star in Alabama?

Nice.

[BigDaddyCaine]

41. Carpenter

[skygazer]

63. My hubby is a carpenter

Actually, it's one of the many jobs I've held. :toast:

[redqueen]

47. Office Administrator

It's like an office manager, but with less pay.

[sundog]

48. Black market smuggler

not really :7
I have a small restaurant

[kanrok]

49. Mother-effin' TRIAL LAWYER baby!

[Obamarama]

50. Import/Export

Just like George Costanza...except he lied because he thought it sounded exciting and would get him laid.

I do it for real and it's interesting, but not that exciting.

[redqueen]

51. At first I thought

you were going to tell us your name is Art Vandalay.

[pdx_prog]

54. Ah!....what did he export?

Wasn't it q-tips or something?

[redqueen]

106. You know, I really don't remember

Did they even specify? Been a while since I've seen that one.

[Tafiti]

118. Wasn't it latex gloves or something?

[EstimatedProphet]

52. Fishery biologist n/t

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

68. No shit? That's sweet!

And they say Deadheads are stupid stoners!

:)

[EstimatedProphet]

71. You mean I can't be both?

I'll have to quit now...

[The Sushi Bandit]

53. I dont FRicking know!!!

[Mizmoon]

55. Librarian n/t

[flamingyouth]

56. Small business owner

I own a china shop. And I'm in school studying to be a licensed massage therapist.

[bigwillq]

57. I'm a sports writer

for a newspaper here in CT.

[pdx_prog]

58. I are an engineer.....

I do product design and testing for a forestry company. I have been doing this for the last 20 years......up side is that I get to play in the woods a lot..:)

[alittlelark]

60. Professional voice talent

I work w/ microphones primarily, and do some tech writing as well.

I started in HS, and that was 25 years ago - so I guess I consider it a career.

[thebeaglehaslanded]

64. Technical writer for over 30 years

but it's going to end...in 3 years, 6 months, and 17 days, when I officially retire!

[HEyHEY]

65. Editor - soon to be radio news reporter (I FUCKING HOPE)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

67. Violinist

and it's more than a career. Even if I could afford to retire, I can't picture myself doing it.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

69. Graphic designer, illustrator - budding animator

[Justpat]

70. Race horse trainer

It's one of the reasons I don't post very frequently. I work seven
days a week and am very tired most of the time. But I love it here
and contribute when I have the time and energy.

[skygazer]

72. No kidding?

Thoroughbreds, Quarters or Standardbreds?

I love horses and racing. There weren't any horse tracks near me though growing up so I wound up in greyhound racing for about ten years. I loved it - it's the closest thing to a career I ever had but once I had kids, I realized it was hard to reconcile the two - 7 days a week, 365 days a year with no benefits makes it tough to raise kids.

I still ride as often as I can and I go out to Bay Meadows on occasion just to feel the energy of a racetrack. There's really nothing like it but you don't feel it properly unless you're on the backside. Cool job.

[Justpat]

101. Thoroughbreds.

Yes, the seven day a week thing is pretty difficult, but there has
never been anything else I wanted to do. And I am still able to get
a lot of my own horses so I stay pretty fit.

[Astrochimp]

73. Former Vice President of Funk

[MrSandman]

74. Licensed Professional Counselor...nt

[frylock]

75. unemployed sys_admin

[WoodrowFan]

76. Historian in a Museum

even played "Museum" as a kid. :)

[KittyWampus]

77. Innkeeper. 3rd Generation

[gollygee]

78. Stay at home mom

I was a newspaper reporter in a previous life, but I found I had to work a second job to pay my rent and buy groceries so I gave up on newspaper reporting and became an executive assistant. I quit that when I became a mom.

[getoffmytrain]

79. Custom home builder.

[Steven_S]

80. I'm still DU's only plumber.....

I was gonna be a lawyer but I couldn't pass the bar!!!

[-..__...]

81. Firefighter and part-time pornographer.

Anything to pay the bills. ;-)

[supernova]

82. Technical editor

at a Fortune 500 firm. I work on reference books for programmers.

[Corgigal]

83. A few

Air Traffic Controller, 911 Dispatcher and then a part time job in a kennel taking care of the pups.

Now, I'm lucky and taking some time off to spend with the family.

[jdots]

84. 83 replys and still no ...............

car wash life quards ,porto potty waste technicians or rubber novelty item designers these must be Conservatard jobs...

[Johnny 99]

85. Want to know what an M.S. in chemical engineering does?

Temporary manual labor. Because I don't have enough education to get a job in Bush's "new economy."

[skygazer]

90. Yeah, but didn't you hear him in the debate tonight?

He's going to let you go to a community college so you can get a good job! What a guy, huh? All I could think of when he said that was that most of the people I know who've lost jobs have excellent educations.

[LiberalManiacfromOC]

86. "student" HAHA my job is easier than yours!

[Nikia]

87. Quality Assurance-Food

It doesn't feel like a real career because I am so limited at my company. It could be a real career path, I suppose. In some ways I like it, but in some ways I can't stand it. I am starting to think about some other options.

[HawkerHurricane]

89. Retired Navy. It was not a job, but an adventure!

Currently I'm a Librarian.

Librarians are the secret masters of the universe. They control information. Never piss one off. - Spider Robinson

[blueknight]

92. retired railroad engineer

and loving it!

[Richardo]

105. What railroad, blueknight?

DRGW/SP/UP here, until 1996. But I was not in road service, merely sales and marketing :sheepish grin:

[pfitz59]

100. Retired Navy here!

Second career working with seniors and the disabled. Life is groovy.

[Endangered Specie]

91. Student. Engineering Major. Thinks he knows it all.

[rppper]

94. drug rehab councelor.......

although i will never get rich, i love my job...there is no better reward than seeing a person who a year before was a shipwreck recover and become a productive person again. the recovery rate is dreadfully low though...about 1 in 10 make it. you learn to take the successes as they come and you treasure them.

[jessicazi]

96. Full-time grad student and

part-time social services employee. Namely, I do "intensive behavioral intervention." I work with children with developmental disablities (autism, seizure disorder, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, etc) and help them modify their behaviors, using various techniques. Basically, behavior intervention.

J

[doubleplusgood]

97. database administrator

n/t

[doc03]

98. Operate industrial water and air treatment facility.

[LDS Jock]

99. customer service at call center for att wireless

soon to be cingular. basically i listen to people bitch all day about their cell phone, mostly over dumb stuff.

[Beware the Beast Man]

102. Toilet Partition Engineer

[Willy Lee]

103. Coffee roaster and nuclear chemist-

But I prefer the coffee roasting!

[amandae]

107. Professional student

not as in professional school, but as in I'll be in school for the rest of my life!! It feels like it some days!

Right now I'm a grad student but working on admittance to a professional school next year so I'm looking at possibly being a student until 2008. BTW, I've been in school (started by finishing my undergrad degree) since Fall 2000. I'm getting a little burnt out but I'm sure it will be rewarding once I'm finally finished and doing something I really want to be doing.

:hi:

[auburngrad82]

109. Network administrator

I went back to school and learned network administration right at the end of the Clinton administration when I was laid off. Damn good thing I did and that I found a job before Bush took office. Otherwise I'd probably still be out of work and have no chance of finding a job.

[RebelOne]

110. Copy editor for outdoors magazines

published all over the U.S. We have one for every state.

[AngryAmish]

111. Arsonist

[gpandas]

112. retired(disability) toolmaker

[chelsea0011]

113. school bus driver/stay-home-dad

[Jack_Dawson]

115. PR

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

116. Immigration Paralegal

but I only deal with "corporate" immigration (that is, the immigration of highly skilled or highly educated or celebrity or extraordinary ability foreign people and their families).

[sniffa]

119. Cadd tech

or civiL engineer working for a surveying company.

[Tafiti]

120. Advertising Account Exec.

for a country and an oldies station.

[Gothic Sponge]

121. I'm a millionaire that pretends to be poor.

;)

[commander bunnypants]

122. Social Worker

DDQMN

[ProfessorGAC]

123. Optimization Consultant

Plus, grad school adjunct professor.

Really i'm a corporate egghead who's job it is to find ways to make things faster, cheaper, but better. At school, i teach others the mathematical and scientific techniques to find the weaknesses, and analyze and model complex systems to find the optimal operating conditions.

Plus i both do and teach troubleshooting methods.
The Professor